Construction work begins on new ‘heart’ of University campus in Portsmouth

Construction of the new Student Hub has officially begun at the University of Portsmouth following a ground-breaking ceremony.

Ground-breaking ceremony for new University of Portsmouth Student Hub. | University of Portsmouth.

placeholder image — Ground-breaking ceremony for new University of Portsmouth Student Hub. | University of Portsmouth.

The event last week brought together members of the University Executive Board, leaders from the University's Estates team, Student Services and the Students' Union, as well as project partners Morgan Sindall and Ridge & Partners.

University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Graham Galbraith said: “The Student Hub will sit at the heart of our campus, creating a central space that brings together key student services and support. As one of the flagship projects within our Estate Masterplan, it represents our continued investment in the future of the University and our students.”

Cambridge Building in the 1970s (now the Student Centre), viewed from the Goods Yard. The Student Hub is now being built on the foreground site, with Mercantile House visible in the background. | University of Portsmouth.

The project will involve refurbishing the existing Student Centre and creating a new space that will link to the Library, providing areas for social learning, wellbeing and student support.

Key features include:

Students' Union services
Wellbeing offices
Student lounge
Coffee bar/kitchen
Students' Union shop
Events space and bar

As well as providing a welcoming and supportive environment, the Student Hub will be a vibrant centre for student life, bringing together social spaces, events, and opportunities for students to connect, collaborate and build a sense of community.

The Student Hub will link the University Library and Student Centre building. | University of Portsmouth

Clifford Kinch, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the South, said: “We couldn’t be prouder to be working with University of Portsmouth and Ridge in delivering the Student Hub, such a key part of the University’s masterplan and a project that will create a sense of place and the connectivity of students on campus for many years to come. This project is all about supporting the next generation throughout their studies, whether that’s by building a kitchen for students to grab coffee with friends or giving them a space to receive the support they need.

“It’s fantastic to have commenced works and to celebrate that alongside the University. We very much look forward to continuing to collaborate with the University of Portsmouth and all other delivery partners as we progress on site.”

Ravelin Park, the site of the new Student Hub, has a rich military history. It was originally part of Portsmouth's defensive fortifications before these were demolished and replaced by official residences for senior army officers in the 1880s, including Gun House, which remains next to the current Student Centre building.

The University, then a polytechnic, acquired the site and constructed the University Library, originally known as the Frewen Library, during the 1970s. The original Students' Union building, located on the opposite side of the park, had previously served as a NAAFI during the site's military use. In the early 2000s, the Students' Union relocated to its current premises, replacing the former Cambridge Building, which housed the Department of Surveying.

The continued evolution of the site will create a vibrant new hub for students, bringing together study, support, wellbeing and social spaces in the heart of the campus.

The Hub has an expected completion date of Spring 2028. Find out more about the University’s Estate Masterplan.